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Soria nearing rehab assignment

Soria nearing rehab assignment

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This is a 2013 photo of Joakim Soria of the Texas Rangers baseball team. This image reflects the Texas Rangers active roster as of Feb. 20, 2013 when this image was taken in Surprise, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

By T.R. Sullivan
/
MLB.com |

ARLINGTON -- Joakim Soria, who has not pitched in the Major Leagues since 2011, is getting ready to go on a rehab assignment. Soria threw approximately 30 pitches of live batting practice on Monday without any issues, and the next step could be pitching for Double-A Frisco as early as Thursday.

Soria, who had Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery on April 3, 2012, isn't sure how many outings he'll need on a 30-day rehab assignment, but it's unlikely he'll be ready before the beginning of July.

"It just depends on how I feel and how the hitters treat me," Soria said.

Soria spent five seasons as the Royals closer, saving 160 games in 2007-11 before missing all of last season. The Rangers signed him to a two-year deal in the offseason. They were hoping to have him back by June 1, but a strained muscle in the front of his right shoulder delayed his progress.